5 Tips for Autocross Beginners

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Instagram: @mateosfiestast

[@SeanPhelps-qh2eu]

first rule for every beginner is to get out there and have fun. I love auto x because it's a chance to explore what you and your car can do without worrying about breaking your car (Well unless you drive an s2000 and your diff blows up trying to launch your car). not having to worry about traffic or police or getting yourself or others hurt. great video by the way, you made some good points.

[@MateosFiestaST]

Silviasean totally agree! I feel like it's hard to work up the courage to do that first event because it can be intimidating. But once you do that first run it can become addicting. Thanks for sharing!

[@tmccann1876]

I did a Starting Line class in Kansas City and the instructors asked "How many people here are curious about getting into racing but are a little intimidated?" Everyone including myself raised their hands. Not sure what my point is but if you know anyone that's like me and was worried about showing up not knowing what to do, Starting Line, can't recommend it enough lol

[@tmccann1876]

One thing I've learned starting out is to check your tire pressure. You'll see guys doing a couple laps and then checking tire pressure. It took someone telling me the reason I'm sliding is because the tires are getting hotter, I gained 5 pounds of air in each tire over 2 runs! Also, be nice and courteous to everyone there, this is all volunteer, everyone there is ready to help you with anything because they love the sport.

[@lprmesia2]

Not every SCCA group runs the same way, and it's kind of an unfair blanket statement. You mentioned that SCCA runs only 4 runs on short courses - but many of the local SCCA groups around here run 50-70 second courses with 6+ runs, while some of the local non-SCCA groups only run 4 runs on 30 second courses. Also some local SCCA clubs have novice programs to help new people which are great.

[@MateosFiestaST]

lprmesia2 ah sure, then that is my bad for the blanket statement. Just in my personal experience SCCA wasn't a great choice for me. Not saying it isn't a good organization in general it can just be intimidating for beginners. Thanks for the input!

[@soloracer1]

@@MateosFiestaST At our San Diego SCCA events we offer on Saturday once a month. 10 lap morning session you can also buy a afternoon making 20 laps. Then Sunday course is different .4 laps for 30.00. you can buy 8 laps for 60.00

[@Sweetlesishere]

Another tip: let someone else sit in your car that drives in your car's level/class to give you pointers. Maybe even let them try the car out on a run or two to better assist you. Use the knowledge of the people around you

[@LogicisOne]

Did you do that whole vid in 1 take!!?? Good tips man.

[@MateosFiestaST]

Yup one single take not cuts. However, I did make multiple attempts and this one turned out the best so I posted this one. Thanks for stopping by!

[@MrSlickyoung]

Great video, I agree on the clubs that offer more runs, seat time is key! Also, try to get rides with people who have cars similar to the class you are running in. This will be my first season without my novice (NOV) and I've modded almost as far as I can in street class for under $1500 (including helmet), but definitely find the limits of your car before you go crazy like I did! I just ran across a bunch of deals. There was a point to this...oh learning course layout, learn how to spot key cones on the course, in most courses there's no more than probably a dozen cones at most to worry about, the rest are out there to trip you up!

[@integratypryan]

Thank you. Trying to get all the tips I can before getting in on the autocross. Memorizing/recognizing cones seems to be the hardest part (for me anyways). It's unfortunate in a way because the only way to learn is to gooooooooo.

[@MateosFiestaST]

Ryan Flood yeah it can be overwhelming thinking about the cones but once you go through the course a few times and get a few rides you will be surprised how fast you'll pick it up. Got to get as much seat time as possible!

[@davidsheppard1133]

Thanks for sharing this advice!

[@TXGRunner]

In defensive firearms training, they drive home the concept, “slow is smooth, smooth is fast.” If people focus on speed first, they snag, their motions are jerky and imprecise, and they’ve actually lost time trying to re-acquire the target. The saying is used to emphasize the need for smooth, consistent motions that naturally bring you on target without the need to adjust. Your final recommendation sounds like this concept also applies to auto cross for similar reasons.

[@mazdaratti89]

Some clubs will have a test and tune day before the autocross competition. Unlimited runs at a test and tune is just what a novice needs, seat time.

[@SSDracerSD]

Awesome! Thanks for the upload. My first autocross tomorrow.

[@MateosFiestaST]

Enjoy! Have fun and get that seat time!

[@jasperricca]

Excellent review!! Thank You so much.

[@BusyB07]

Is it typically safe to leave a set of wheels to the side? Plan on switching to my good set after 1st few runs.. Going by myself

[@helen341]

How do I find the events that have more runs as opposed to precision timing. I agree. I would love more seat time. How do I get more seat time ? Thanks. Great vid

[@ActiveUser1]

What is an example of a organization that focuses more on number of runs rather than the competitiveness?

[@MateosFiestaST]

Erik Ullrich a group that is local to me (Golden gate lotus club) has a limited amount of drivers allowed to allow more runs. They do the first half of the day with some competitive time runs and the second half of the day are fun runs. In fact my buddies are going there tomorrow and they really like this group. (site link below) www.gglotus.org/ggautox/ggautox.htm

[@ldreese33]

What helmet do you need?

[@justadriver]

Depends but at mine you need snell approved helmets

[@tmccann1876]

It changes, just find your local autocross and send an email. They'll be more than happy to tell you and if you don't have one they usually have plenty for rent

[@patrickfitzwater5511]

No, I don't know.